Hoyer Statement on Announcement of Early Retiree Reinsurance Program

For Immediate Release:

May 4, 2010

Contact Info:

Katie GrantStephanie Lundberg(202) 225 - 3130

Washington, DC – Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on today’s announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services that it is moving early to implement the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program so employers can apply for assistance as soon as June 1st.

“Just five weeks after health insurance reform was signed into law, Americans are already seeing immediate benefits from health care reform. Today, it’s been announced that yet another key benefit will be available early. Starting June 1, employers offering health coverage to early retirees can participate in the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. The reinsurance program will provide financial assistance for affordable health coverage for retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare. The program will bridge a common gap in coverage that many retired Americans increasingly fall into before they reach the Medicare-eligible age.

“This is a great benefit not just for workers and retired Americans, but for businesses struggling with rising health care costs and trying to remain competitive in the global marketplace. The Business Roundtable representing top U.S. companies with 12 million employees praised the program today as a welcome benefit for the business community.

“While Congressional Republicans have made repealing these benefits a top priority and would take control over health care away from middle-class Americans, we will continue to implement reform so that health care works better for the American people.”